Welcome to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in The Market District of Tallahassee.
These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home. A masterpiece of floral architecture, the gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflection pool, a walled garden and hundreds of camellias and azaleas. 
Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Boats without motors or boats with electric motors are allowed. Pavilions and grills along the lake shore provide the perfect setting for a picnic. For walking enthusiasts, two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy five miles of shared-use trails and five miles of designated biking trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens. High blooming season is from January 1-April 30 with the floral peak in mid-to-late March. During these months, a special fee is charged for visiting the Gardens and the Maclay house is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual special events include Tour of Gardens in May and Kids Fishing Day in June, Scarecrows and Jazz in the Gardens in October and Camellia Christmas in December. Other events and ranger programs are available. Located .5 miles north of I-10 (Exit 203) on U.S. 319/Thomasville Road. Turn west on Maclay Road. The park is a short distance on the right.
Bicycling: The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers approximately five miles of multi-use trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. In addition, approximately three miles of designated bike trails provide scenic biking on the Overstreet property. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only, and for scenic viewing by people.
Boat Ramp: A boat ramp is available. Gasoline motors cannot be used from the park boat ramp.
Canoeing & Kayaking: Lake Hall is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and small sailboats. Only boats without motors or with electric motors are allowed. Visitors are reminded that most of the lake’s shoreline is private. Please respect the property of others. The park offers a limited number of kayaks for rent. Check for availability at the Ranger Station as you enter the park.
Fishing: Largemouth bass, bream and bluegill are caught in Lake Hall. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required. Fishing is not allowed in Lake Overstreet.
Gardens: First planted in 1923, the gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park are a floral masterpiece. Hundreds of camellias and azaleas mix with dogwoods, magnolias and a variety of other trees for a spectacular array of blooms from December through April. The gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflection pool and a walled garden.
Hiking/Nature Trail:The Big Pine and Boy Scout nature trails meander through the wooded hillsides overlooking Lake Hall. Novice hikers could expect to walk the distance of either trail in less than one hour. Multi-use trails on the Lake Overstreet portion of the park provide over 5 miles of trails for hiking or jogging.
Horse/Equestrian Trail:The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers approximately five miles of multi-use trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. In addition, approximately three miles of designated bike trails provide scenic biking on the Overstreet property. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only, and for scenic viewing by people.
Meetings & Retreats: The historic Gardener’s Cottage is available for meetings or receptions.
Picnicking: The picnic area overlooking Lake Hall is the most picturesque in north Florida with a large picnic pavilion available for rental. Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
Playground: There is a playground within the park, which has state of the art equipment as well as benches to sit on.
Swimming: Swimming is available in designated areas of Lake Hall Recreation Area.
Tours: Self-guided garden tours are aided by a Gardens Walking Tour brochure, available at the Ranger Station. Guided group tours are available upon request, with a three weeks notice to allow for scheduling. During the peak blooming period, guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, depending upon availability of staffing and volunteers.
Weddings:Many brides and grooms get married in the beautiful gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. For information about weddings in the Gardens, please call Fairytale Weddings and Special Events, Inc. at (850) 524-1661
Wildlife Viewing: Maclay Gardens is home to a variety of Florida wildlife, including white tail deer, bobcat, and alligators. Various species of fish and reptiles inhabit Lake Hall and Lake Overstreet, and birds of all shapes and sizes can be found throughout the entire year.
